cannabisnews.com: Proposal 1: Medical Marijuana
Proposal 1: Medical Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on October 28, 2008 at 05:37:35 PT
By Charlie Cain, The Detroit News
Source: Detroit News
Michigan -- Voters will decide whether Michigan will become the 13th state to legalize marijuana use for terminally and seriously ill people -- if a doctor certifies it could ease suffering.The Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care, which is backing Proposal 1, estimates that as many as 50,000 state residents could qualify for medical marijuana. They say it could play an important role in treating patients with a variety of illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
Opponents, including virtually all of Michigan's law enforcement community, say the ballot proposal is flawed and that its adoption would be just the first step in legalizing marijuana for everyone.Patients would receive a state ID card so police could easily see they are legal medical marijuana users and could possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana or cultivate up to 12 plants.The ballot proposal is silent on the question of where a patient would obtain the marijuana, but the state would not be involved. Selling marijuana would remain illegal.If approved by voters, patients who use medical marijuana would still be guilty of breaking the law in the eyes of federal law enforcement agencies. However, in other states, medical marijuana users have not been targeted by federal agencies.Ballot Language:• Permit physician-approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, MS and other conditions as may be approved by the Department of Community Health.• Permit registered individuals to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility.• Require Department of Community Health to establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use marijuana and individuals qualified to grow marijuana.• Permit registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana.What it would do: Remove the legal onus from patients who are using marijuana on the recommendation of a doctor. The state would not be in the business of providing the marijuana, but the ballot proposal is silent on where the marijuana would be obtained. Medical marijuana users could not use the drug in a public place and they would still face penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana.Pros: It would provide another avenue of treatment and relief from pain for patients with an assortment of medical conditions; the proposed law places conditions on the use of marijuana by qualified patients and would require a doctor's recommendation that the patient could benefit from marijuana.Cons: It's unnecessary since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration already has approved two pills for patient use that contain derivatives of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana; it would make it easier for kids and people who are not seriously ill to obtain marijuana; it would be the first step in a broader agenda to legalize marijuana for everyone; even if approved by voters, the federal government would still consider marijuana possession as a crime.Who's for it: The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Michigan Nurses AssociationWho's against it: Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Michigan Sheriff's Association, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, Michigan Family Forum, White House Office of National Drug Control PolicySource: Detroit News (MI)Author: Charlie Cain, The Detroit NewsPublished: Tuesday, October 28, 2008Copyright: 2008 The Detroit News Contact: letters detnews.com Website: http://www.detnews.com/ Related Articles & Web Site: Stop Arresting Patientshttp://www.stoparrestingpatients.org/Officials Warn Michigan on Dangers of Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24264.shtmlMarijuana Helps 1 Man Despite Doctor's Verdicthttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24257.shtml
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 17:10:21 PT
Had Enough
I don't look at Biden for what was done in the past because drugs were scary and they wanted to stop them instead of dealing with them. I think he has soften his stance and even apologized for something important to us. I can't remember what though. I think he will take advice from Obama. I don't think he is like Dick Cheney.
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Comment #19 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 12:34:08 PT
Done Deal FoM
Just got back from the voting booth.Obama it is…voted right along with John Sinclair…and many others…First time in about three or four elections that I didn’t vote for the Libertarian Party.And it felt as good as voting Libertarian. No heart attacks, no strokes, or fainting…:) The biggest problem I have with that ticket is Biden. He is too much of a drug warrior for me. Career politician to boot. But maybe Obama can keep him in line and reverse some of the damage caused by his stuff. I certainly hope so.So there you go FoM, its Obama – The next President of the United States.Most here already know this info, but here is a link anyway.http://criminaljustice.change.org/blog/view/biden_drug_warrior
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 11:12:14 PT
John Sinclair: I'm Voting For Medical Marijuana
November 4, 2008I'm having breakfast now, and then I'm going to the polls to vote for Barack Obama.I'm voting for medical marijuana. I'm voting Barack because I'm a Democrat. How confident am I that he's going to win? I have no confidence.A bunch of crooks got in last time and stole the last two elections. I'm having breakfast and then I'm going to the polls in the state of Michigan.Copyright: Orato Media 2006-2008http://orato.com/current-events/2008/11/04/john-sinclair-i-039-m-voting-medical-marijuana
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 09:04:57 PT
fight_4_freedom
Yes We Can!
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Comment #16 posted by fight_4_freedom on November 04, 2008 at 08:56:22 PT
Just got back from putting my say in this
historic vote! Oh it felt good! I had to stand and stare for a minute and soak in the moment before I filled in that Obama circle. Same went for my Yes vote on Proposal 1! What a joyous moment!Obama for President!YES ON PROPOSAL 1!!!!!!Time to put up the rest of my prop 1 signs on the busy streets near polling locations. Then I'll drive a couple of Obama supporters who need rides to the polls. Should be a fun filled day!And it's just getting started :)
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 08:44:27 PT
Had Enough
Thank you. Not since JFK have I had hope like I have now. I don't understand political talk very well but I totally understand what Obama is saying. Obama will do us and the world good. I don't worry about our money system. I've been thru these problems before. We will crash and then rebuild. To me it is just a major shaking going on like we have had in the past. Even freight is slowing down for my husband but we knew this might happen so we are ready to ride it out.
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Comment #14 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 08:30:35 PT
Obama
Yes FoM I agree up to a point though…I’m about ready to go cast my vote.I’ve been thinking real hard about this election.As you know I am a strong supporter of politicians like Ron Paul & Dennis Kucinch, and also a supporter of the Libertarian Party.However this time around I feel I must do something else.I cannot vote for a Bob Barr, and never will. That left me with the option to write in Ron Paul or Dennis Kuchinch. I even thought about writing in Ron Paul for president with Dennis Kuchinch as vice president.Another option, even though I still have a question mark with Obama, a rather large one I might add, I’m going to cast my vote for him anyway. I have no doubt that he will take the throne.A while back you wrote that when you let your sister know about Obama she said “you are looking at the next president”. That statement has been lingering im my thoughts since then, and I have spoken that phrase to quite a few people since.I figure let’s give him a chance. Things are so screwed up these days, his attempts to fix things might work, or his efforts with extra and unwanted help from his opponents will push whatever we have left, over the cliff in the process. If our monetary based system is going to crash and burn, I say lets get it on and get it over with. The sooner it crashes the sooner we will recover…Let’s Roll… Bring it on… The Age of Aquarius is upon us…I remember something…A few years back we made a deal. You hadn’t registered to vote for a few decades, and I hadn’t purchased a record for about the same period of time. I bought Living With War, and you registered to vote.Since then you have really been fired up about Obama, it sparked something inside of yourself and you really have been putting in extra efforts to promote him. And I say good for you, I’m happy to see you fired up the way you are. I just wish more people would become as involved so we can get our way of life back. This Earth we live on belongs to the people, not just a select few elitists, we are only stewards of this land and we haven’t been very good at it.I read the things you wrote about your niece. Sad but reality. When you see her again tell her you have a cyber friend that wishes her well.And for you FoM…Thanks for all you do…
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on November 04, 2008 at 07:13:14 PT
Had Enough
I'm sorry to read about your friends. My youngest niece was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer. They thought it was only Stage 1 until they operated. On a better note. Since we will have an Obama presidency, if all goes well, the future does look bright even though it will be hard for many of us because of these last 8 years. It will take Obama 8 years just to try to fix the mess we are in I believe.
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Comment #12 posted by Had Enough on November 04, 2008 at 06:48:47 PT
Thanks all
Back for good???Never really went anywhere…been checking the threads though.Stuff has been happening here.Recently several close friends of ours have moved on to the Great Beyond, too many, too young. Good people that will truly be missed. A few others have been diagnosed with varius forms of cancer, and things don’t look too good for them.Economic conditions also seems to have more of a hold on me than I thought would allow, with more to come. Spending time doing things and trying to figure out the next move. I’ll make it somehow.Museman – go here http://cannabisnews.com/news/23/thread23277.shtml
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Comment #11 posted by museman on October 28, 2008 at 12:54:04 PT
Had Enough
Good to see you!
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on October 28, 2008 at 10:50:21 PT
fight_4_freedom
I recognize the name but that's all.
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Comment #9 posted by fight_4_freedom on October 28, 2008 at 10:40:39 PT
The Mystery Marijuana Man
Not a single local activist I know has any idea who this man is. Being that he is hiding from the spotlight, I highly doubt this will pass.But then again, Ferndale passed a local medical marijuana initiative a couple years ago so I guess you never know.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on October 28, 2008 at 10:33:33 PT
Ferndale Pot Proposal
October 28, 2008http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081028/POLITICS01/810280315
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Comment #7 posted by fight_4_freedom on October 28, 2008 at 08:02:03 PT
Let me get this straight
He backs decriminalization in Mexico, but is totally against even the medical use of it here in Michigan???
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Comment #6 posted by BGreen on October 28, 2008 at 07:20:43 PT
Hi, Had Enough!
It's good to hear from you. It's been quite a while since we've Had Enough around here. LOLAre you back for good?The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #5 posted by BGreen on October 28, 2008 at 07:18:17 PT
John Walters Actually Cares About Freedom?
Of course, it's only the freedom of the Mexican people he cares about.A-hole!The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on October 28, 2008 at 06:56:07 PT
Had Enough
It's so good to see you! All I can say about the drug czar is I will be glad when he is gone and can't do anymore damage.
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Comment #3 posted by Had Enough on October 28, 2008 at 06:49:39 PT
Comment #1 Holy Shit Batman!!!
I've read it several times, I can't believe it. I must still be asleep, and this must be just part of a dream.It looks like our Drug Czar friend has caved in to the writing on the wall.He knows people are not buying into his stuff like they used to, and with a changing of the guard at the White House, Federal funds drying up, coupled with Drug Czar renewal in 2010, he also knows him and his minions time is up.Maybe he figures that if he does an about face, he might still have a position on the Federal payroll somewhere.But for whatever the reason, cooool…it’s way overdue.I’m doing Jumping Jacks, Handstands, and Cartwheels…Can hardly wait for the other drug warriors to scream about saving their wasteful jobs, their time is up.Get ready for the ‘Victory Jam’ at FoM’s house. See you all there, don’t be late.
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Comment #2 posted by John Tyler on October 28, 2008 at 06:33:07 PT
budget cutting
I saw Obama on TV last night doing a speech where he said he would save the government money by cutting or doing away with gov. programs that were not effective. One big ineffective money wasting gov. program comes to mind immediately.
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Comment #1 posted by OverwhelmSam on October 28, 2008 at 06:09:00 PT
Hell Freezes Over
Drug Czar John Walters Backs Decriminalizaton http://www.newsli.com/2008/10/27/hell-freezes-over-white-house-drug-czar-backs-decriminalization/I wonder if this argument can be used in current marijuana decriminalization initiatives.
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